Local members of the Royal Canadian Legion gathered on Saturday to remember one of the most important battles in the country's military history. The Estevan branch No. 60 held its annual Vimy Ridge night to mark the 97th anniversary of the First World War battle and also presented service pins to members.
The Battle of Vimy Ridge was part of the Battle of Arras and took place from April 9 to April 12, 1917.
The Allied Forces consisted of 170,000 men, of whom 97,184 were Canadian. Branch president Troy LeBlanc, in his description of the battle, noted that by April 12, "the Canadian Corps was in firm control of the ridge."
There were 10,602 Canadian casualties, including 3,598 who lost their lives. The Germans had 4,000 of their soldiers captured as prisoners of war and unknown numbers either killed or wounded.
"Four members of the Canadian Corps received the highest military decoration of battle, the Victoria Cross," said LeBlanc. "The Battle of Vimy was the first instance in which all four Canadian divisions, made up of troops drawn from all parts of the country, fought as a cohesive formation. The idea that Canada's national identity and nationhood were born out of the battle is widely held among military and civilian historians. The battle was a major victory over the German Empire and forced them to re-assess their defensive strategy and further their retreat to the Oppy-Mericourt line."
A total of 25 Legion members were recognized with service pins ranging from 15 years to 40.
Ken Clarke, who also received a 35-year service pin, was honoured with a branch service award.
Recipients of 15-year pins were Leigh Ann Tessier, Donald G. C. Anderson, Rodney Sands and Craig W. Bird.
Twenty-year pins went to Beatrice Lukye, Walter Lukye, Theresa M. Bachorcik, Eileen Rosner, Doreen Bachorcik and John G. Len.
Being honoured for 25 years of service were Madeline L. Skjerpen, Wayne L. Hoste and Lillian Hahn.
Pins for 30 years went to Margaret A. Renwick, Art Matte, David C. Rooks and Richard Marcotte.
J.A. Nijman, Martha E. Lyon, Marion Harper, Murray J. Fowler and Clarke received 35-year pins.
Service pins for 40 years were presented to Lorne Walliser, Rick Densley and Sandra E. McGillicky.
Councillor Brian Johnson brought greetings on behalf of the City of Estevan and thanked the local branch for "being in the community for so long, helping us out and doing a very fine job.
